Job description
Verdant Field Nursery & Research is seeking a motivated Horticulture Manager to lead our greenhouse and nursery operations in Davis, California. This role combines hands-on cultivation expertise with people leadership to deliver high-quality plant production, sustainable practices, and collaborative research support.
As a key member of our horticulture team, you'll oversee propagation, cultivation cycles, environmental controls, and crop health while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic research-and-production environment.
Responsibility
- Lead daily operations of greenhouse, propagation areas, and outdoor nurseries to meet production schedules.
- Develop and implement propagation, pruning, seasonal cropping, and integrated pest management protocols.
- Monitor and optimize environmental controls (temperature, humidity, CO2 where applicable), irrigation, and nutrient programs.
- Oversee inventory management, sourcing, vendor relationships, and supply chain logistics.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, biosecurity, and sustainable practices; document standard operating procedures.
- Lead, train, and mentor horticulture staff, interns, and seasonal workers; promote a culture of learning and accountability.
- Collaborate with research scientists on cultivar trials, data collection, and reporting to inform cultivation decisions.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- 3-5 years of greenhouse or commercial nursery management experience.
- Strong knowledge of plant propagation, IPM, irrigation systems, substrate/media, and environmental control systems.
- Experience with data collection, crop scheduling, labeling, and greenhouse management software or ERP tools.
- Proven leadership, communication, and team-building skills; ability to supervise diverse staff and interns.
- Physical ability to perform tasks in controlled environments and lift up to 50 lbs; willingness to work flexible hours as needed.
- Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable horticulture practices.